Renowned West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon Shares What You Need to Know About Explant Surgery

Are you a woman wondering if you should consult a doctor to remove breast implants? If so, you're not alone. While medical science and the FDA conduct ongoing research and investigations to determine the existence of a condition known as Breast Implant Illness (BII), an increasing number of women across the globe continue to report unexplained inflammatory symptoms that they believe resulted from their breast implants.

In a previous blog, we shared the unique journey of a Breast Implant Illness (BII) patient, including personal stories and the most common symptoms patients share with their plastic surgeons. This blog, from a Board-certified West Palm Beach plastic surgeon, explores the total capsulectomy procedure for removing breast implants, what to anticipate throughout the process, and the life awaiting you after explantation.

Are you considering explant surgery to remove breast implants?

Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at (561) 833-4122 to schedule a consultation with our patient counselor.

What Is a Total Capsulectomy for Breast Implant Removal?

Concerning breast implant removal, some doctors may suggest different approaches, but Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S., highly recommends and regularly performs a total capsulectomy (people often refer to this as en bloc). During this two-hour outpatient procedure, your West Palm Beach plastic surgeon makes an incision underneath the fold of the breast to remove the implant. Next, Dr. Barr uses a triple antibiotic wash to destroy the bacteria, mold, and various microorganisms that often invade a woman’s body with the breakdown of breast implants. He sends all suspicious findings to pathology.

Does A Total Capsulectomy Remove Breast Tissue?

Dr. Barr’s practice in West Palm Beach, FL, believes a total capsulectomy is required. He removes breast tissue, the capsule which is scar tissue and based on the patient’s preference, sometimes skin. This possibly could result in negative cosmetic side effects. For cosmetic improvement a fat transfer, Breast Lift, and Lasers, can help with a more desirable result.

Watch Dr. Barr explain a total capsulectomy in the video below.

Risks of a Total Capsulectomy

While we believe nothing is better than a total capsulectomy for breast implant removal because it eliminates everything that could potentially infect the rest of your body, like all medical procedures, it comes with risks. Due to the complexities involved in a total capsulectomy, a surgeon may not always achieve exceptional cosmetic results. That is why your doctor must have years of experience performing the procedure.

As a Board-certified plastic surgeon with over three decades of experience, Dr. Barr performs a total capsulectomy daily, achieving remarkable improvements in his patients' quality of life. An impressive 95% of Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery patients report relief from 90% of their symptoms.

Dissecting a Total Capsulectomy

The terminology surrounding breast implants and scar tissue can create confusion for many patients, but the three terms to remember are:

• Implant – Refers to the breast implant itself, which can be made of saline or silicone, and it’s either textured or smooth on the surface.
• Capsulectomy: A capsulectomy removes the capsule around the implant. A plastic surgeon usually performs this procedure when the capsule feels hard or when permanently removing an  implant.
• Total Capsulectomy Removal: In this procedure, the plastic surgeon removes the capsule and the implant in one piece, containing the implant within the capsule.

What Should I Consider Before Undergoing Breast Implant Removal with Explant Surgery?

As plastic surgeons prepare to perform a procedure, they confront potential life-threatening situations and permanent changes to the body—an immense responsibility for the doctor and their practice. For you as the patient, the doctor and the surgery you choose will significantly impact your results.

Before undergoing breast implant removal surgery with a total capsulectomy, the doctor and patient should consider the following:

• Is the patient in good health for surgery? Extensive medical clearance is necessary, including bloodwork, EKG, mammogram, and chest X-ray, to ensure safety.
• Does the patient have realistic expectations for their desired outcome? To achieve a satisfactory outcome, realistic expectations are essential.
• Will the office and staff be available for guidance and answering questions throughout the procedure?
• Do you, as the patient, fully understand that removing implants, whether  due to illness or personal preference, will result in permanent cosmetic consequences that cannot be reversed due to internal damage caused by the implant?

Carla Pisani, Patient Counselor at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Will Consult With You About Your Breast Implant Removal

With a profound understanding of the experiences BII patients endure, Carla Pisani, Patient Counselor at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, wants to assure you that you're not alone. Throughout your journey, our plastic surgery office and surgical team in West Palm Beach will be by your side, providing unwavering support and remarkable patient care. Rest assured, Dr. Barr's extensive three-decade medical career prioritizes your safety and upholds his commitment to do no harm.

Your Healing Journey: Experience Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Transformation with Explant Surgery

After breast implant removal, you'll undergo an emotional, physical, and spiritual transformation. The emotional aspect encompasses a range of challenges, as the reasons for your initial breast implants may no longer align with who you are today. To provide support and understanding, we encourage you to seek the guidance of a counselor or therapist to accompany you on this life-altering path. Our patient counselors are also ready to lend a listening ear.

During the initial six weeks of healing after your breast implant removal, you will encounter physical hurdles that restrict your movement and exercise. Over the following six months, you'll witness significant evolution in scarring and breast shape. There are various ways to address scarring, including:

• Laser treatments
• Injections
• Topical remedies
• Lymphatic drainage massages
• Scar massages

Furthermore, any irregularities or deformities can be improved through future procedures like mastopexy, scar revision, and fat transfer. Active communication and attendance at follow-up appointments with Dr. Barr comprise the foundation of your healing journey.

For those seeking relief from Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms, breast implant removal surgery can be a truly liberating experience as you regain your health, although this isn't the case for everyone. Conversely, individuals focused solely on the physical appearance of their breasts face considerable challenges throughout their journey. Comparing your journey and its outcome to others is fruitless because each person heals differently due to their unique genetics.

Rest assured, Dr. Barr and his dedicated staff will stand by you and guide you through this intricate decision that comes with its ups and downs, like life itself. You can find solace in the fact that our entire team is here to support you throughout your unique healing journey.

What Is Life Like After Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Many women report increased energy, reduced pain and inflammation, and an overall improved quality of life after undergoing explantation surgery. Despite the challenges of recovery, patients like the BII warrior in the video below firmly believe the benefits far outweigh any downsides.

Discover the Emotional Stories Behind Women's Implants and Breast Implant Removal on Under My Implants - A Well World TV Original Series

Join Dr. Barr as he dives into the world of women's implants in a groundbreaking reality-based show, Under My Implants. This documentary explores the personal factors that drive women to undergo surgery and the empowering healing journey behind their decision to have them removed.

Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as you witness the heartfelt stories and personal transformations of these brave women. Watch the trailer below.

Dealing with BII Symptoms? Contact Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in West Palm Beach, FL for Help Removing Implants

At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we believe in giving patients an opportunity to be heard. Regardless of ongoing investigation and societal criticism, we take your concerns and complaints about specific symptoms seriously, knowing they are real and can worsen over time. 

Breast implant removal according to many patients of Palm Beach Plastic Surgery have reported their symptoms and discomfort have been eliminated, such as:

• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Hair loss
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• Digestive issues
• Skin rashes
• Thyroid problems
• Autoimmune disorders

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? We invite you to join Dr. Barr's Breast Explant Solution Group on Facebook to connect with other resilient women who have been through the same ordeal and can provide valuable insights and guidance.

To learn more about breast implant removal with a total capsulectomy and your options following surgery, like a breast lift, fat transfer, and lasers to have scar tissue removed, schedule a consultation with our patient counselor in West Palm Beach at (561) 833-4122 or complete our online form.